TN Heat (Basketball-middle school girls)

The TN Heat girls' middle school basketball team is looking for girls grades 6-8 who are interested in playing. The season will be from mid-October to mid-February. We will play or practice 3-4 times per week. The practices will be Monday, Thursday, and Friday at different gyms in the Hermitage, Lebanon, and Mount Juliet. 

If you are interested, please call Susan Smith at 

 (615) 423-3162 or email her at 

susan.blondemoments@gmail.com

Thanks,

Coach Susan Smith

Help for Writer's (teacher's) Block

Check out the FREE printables designed to aid teacher's in their never-ending quest for writing prompts, offered by Kevin Savetz:  kevin@freeprintable.net ...

Writing Prompts

Earlier this year, I launched FreeWritingPrompts.net, offering dozens of sets of sample writing prompts for teachers and students to use in their classrooms. With a new school year in full-swing, I've added several more sets of prompts, for both essay-writing and non-fiction. Everything on the site is free, and organized by category and then grade level. There are writing prompts intended for exercises in creative writing, essays, persuasive writing, and holiday-themed writing. There's a new category of prompts for literature-based essay writing, and it includes topics for elementary, middle, and high school levels. I've also added nonfiction writing prompts up to the college level.   To use a set of prompts, just click on its listing at FreeWritingPrompts.net. Then you can simply copy paste from the web browser menu or download the set in DOC format, so you can open the prompts in Microsoft Word and even customize them before printing. FreeWritingPrompts.net is just one of my FreePrintable.net sites dedicated to teaching and education. Also take a look at TeachersPrintables.net , PrintableFlashCards.net, PrintablePaper.net. That's just a few! Please keep those emails coming! I count on you to tell me what printables you'd like to see next. I have lots more coming up, including new holiday printables. Happy printing!

Art Contest for Bookcover design...

Art Contest

 

Design a book cover for Escape the Amoz by Nancy Jo Wilson.

Who qualifies for the contest?
Homeschool students ages twelve through eighteen qualify. The student must be currently enrolled in homeschool.

What do I do?

1.      Read the novel, Escape the Amoz for free at www.stonecliffministries.com.

2.      Design a book cover that embodies the characters, setting, and theme of the book.

3.      Save your submission in a .bmp or .jpg image.

Where do I send my design?
Email your name, address, phone number, and a brief biography along with the illustration to outreach@stonecliffministries.com.

What are the prizes?

• The winner’s illustration will be featured on the cover for Kindle and Nook e-book versions of the novel. In addition, the winner will be listed as illustrator and a brief biography will appear in the e-book.
• Ten runner-ups will have their designs displayed at www.stonecliffministries.com website.

What is the contest deadline?
Entries must be received no later than midnight on December 15, 2012.

 

 

About Escape the Amoz

 

Fourteen-year-old Caleb GoodArcher has no idea that a trip to the city will tear his life apart. On that horrible day, Caleb is confronted with the true oppressive nature of the relationship between the technologically-superior Amoz and his people, the Kinz. During the next three years, the Amoz grip tightens as the planet drifts out of its orbit, throwing it and its inhabitants into a never-ending winter. A mysterious man named Galax offers to transport the Kinz to a new home, but Caleb has to deliver his people from the Amoz first.

Escape the Amoz is an allegory inspired by the story of Moses. This novel is a pleasurable read for any middle school or high school student. It also lends itself well to homeschool curriculum. Study it for its own merits or include the novel in unit studies on Biblical/Ancient history, World War II, Apartheid in South Africa, or the United States Civil Rights Movement. The study guide includes projects, essay/paper ideas, and tests with answer key.

Home School Honor Society

The first meeting of the Gamma Nu chapter of the National Home School Honor Society, Eta Sigma Alpha, will be next Thursday, Sept. 27th, at Panera's in Providence, Mt. Juliet from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

The Gamma Nu chapter serves home schooled students, grades 9-12, in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, and surrounding areas, but anybody who does not have a local chapter is welcomed to join!  

Basic information is below.  This should answer most questions, or you may call me, Michele Raymond, at 758-4028.  I do better returning phone calls than emails.  :)

If you'd like to read a general overview of the National Home School Honor Society, check out their website at www.etasigmaalpha.com.   Even if your student is already involved in an honor society at a tutorial, she or he may still join Eta Sigma Alpha.

There are some requirements for admission that were set by the national office.  They are: a 3.5 GPA, an 1800 (SAT), 26 (ACT), 180 (PSAT), or 90 percentile on the composite score total (IOWA OR STANFORD), and 10 or more hours of community service per year.  Additionally, a student must be homeschooled at least 50 percent of the time.  Regular meeting attendance is also highly encouraged.

Each chapter has their own additional requirements that may include dues, minimum meeting attendance, optional essays or letters of recommendation, etc.  

This year dues for Gamma Nu members are $10 per student for the school year which covers annual chapter registration fees, a certificate for each participating member, and end-of-the-year banquet supplies.  Also in Gamma Nu, students are required to participate just six times a year (mix and match meetings and group service projects), which works out to only once every other month.  We don't have any essay or letters of recommendation requirements.  

We try to keep meetings to an hour (okay, some times they run longer, but students may leave if needed), and we discuss college applications, service projects, and home school academics, among other topics.  Parents and siblings are welcomed to attend but not required.  Over the past two years, we've done service projects including food distribution at Joseph's Storehouse in Lebanon, sorting food at Second Harvest, helping out with Rutherford Habitat for Humanity, and inflating balloons for the Special Olympics.  We'd love to have you join us.

Thanks for your consideration, and we hope to see you the 27th!
Michele Raymond
Email:    losraymond@tds.net

Adventure Science Center Upcoming Events

Game On!10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 22
This Saturday, try a few slapshots with the Nashville Predators Youth Hockey on a temporary ice rink, enter a videogame tournament, see some of the latest technology from Sony Playstation, play a life-size version of Angry Birds and more. All activities are included with general admission. Supported by the Nashville Predators Foundation. More info>>

Family Science Labs 2 - 3 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26 Enjoy some hands-on science as a family! This month, explore the world of physical and chemical reactions. Family Science Labs are perfect for home school students. Just $8 per person, and includes admission to the center. More info>>

Early Explorers 9 a.m., Every Monday Bring your preschooler to the Science Center for a special morning of fun just for them. Discounted admission includes a planetarium show and story time in Destination Exploration, our dedicated preschool area. More Info>>

Intersession Camps Oct. 5 & 8 - 12 Enrich your K-6 grade student's fall break with our ScienceQuest day camps. Each day features a new theme of hands-on activities and experiments to bring science to life. All camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early and late care available for an additional fee. More info>>

Healthy Family Fest 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 Celebrate ways to be healthy as a family during this first Healthy Family Fest, a free outdoor community event at Adventure Science Center. The day features demonstrations, performances and exhibitors dedicated to getting families active, eating well and caring for their health. Presented by TriStar Centennial Women's and Children's Hospital.  More info>>

Way Late Play Date 7 - 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 A new season of Way Late Play Dates begins in October with a special Get Your Game On theme celebrating the technology of gaming. This night invites adults to come back and be a kid again to explore the science center, enjoy a beverage and experience the Sudekum Planetarium. Must be age 21 or above. Tickets now on sale! More info>>

Mark Your Calendar... Second Saturday, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 -- Catch after-hours planetarium and laser shows in the Turner Theatre of the Sudekum Planetarium. Little Labs, Sept. 29, Oct 17, 20, 24 -- Special hands-on labs for preschoolers. S cience Cafe, Oct. 18 & 24, Nov. 15 -- Sit down with real scientists for informal discussions on a hot topics in science today. Star Party, Oct. 20, Nov. 16 & 17 -- Join one of these free community events for gazing at the night sky. No telescope needed. Whistlestop Weekend, Nov. 9 - 11 -- Don't miss this annual Nashville tradition when trains take over the center! Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 1 -- Have breakfast with the big man in red.

Taping of "A Tribute to a Foot Soldier" 9/27

The taping of "A Tribute to a Foot Soldier;" Jimmy Gentry's story, will be held on Sept. 27 in Liberty Hall at the Factory in Franklin at 6:30 p.m. and the public is invited to be a part of the historic event. for more info, go here:

http://www.williamsonherald.com/home?id=81426

CPAC production: "Miracle in the Hills" 9/27-28

Here is another great homeschool field trip...It is a production put on by a cast of almost eighty homeschool students and graduates called MIRACLE IN THE HILLS. It is written and directed by Mary Evelyn (Mev) McCurdy and performed by the Homeschool Drama Society at the Cookville Performing Arts Center. This is the true story of a husband and wife doctor team who settle in the Appalachain Mountains of North Carolina in 1911. It is based on the book by Dr. Mary T. Sloop (with LeGette Blythe) about the mircles God had in store for her and her doctor husband in Crossnore, North Carolina.

The performance times are Thursday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m., and Friday, September 28th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The evening tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $15 for a family. The morning tickets are all $3. The tickets are available at the door or by calling the Cookeville Performing Arts Center at (931) 528-1313. CPAC is located at 10 East Broad Street, Cookevile, TN 38501. They have a website www.cookeville-tn.org/cpac. You can also visit www.ChristianMusicalTheatre.com for more information on HDS.

This a fun-filled musical play with humor, drama, live musical instruments, traditional American folk songs, square dancing, hymns, & ballads as well as original songs written for the play by Mev McCurdy. Your whole family or homeschool group will find it very enjoyable.

By the way, for those of you who are familiar with the Notgrass Publishing Company located here in Cookeville, Mary Evelyn is the daughter of Ray and Charlotte Notgress.

Should you choose to attend the 10 a.m. showing on Friday and the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy a picnic lunch at nearby Dog Wood Park following the preformance. It is located just a couple of blocks from CPAC. It is a nice little park with picnic tables, sidewalks for bikes or riding toys, and a fountain/water play area.

If anyone has any questions about parking, area resturants, parks, or planning your trip to Cookeville, I will be glad to try to help you out. Feel free to email Catrina Howell at bobcattn@frontier.com. I hope that you have the chance to attend this wonderful presentation!

Home School PE classes @ the Brentwood Y

The Brentwood Family YMCA has a homeschool fitness class on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30. The first hour is sports related and the second hour is in the pool.

MidTN Fire Boys Soccer

Early planning for the 2012-13 Middle TN Fire has begun!!!!

 

If you would like to be included to receive information about our high school team (grades 9-12), please respond to the following email,  2013firesoccer@gmail.com. 

 

If you would like to be included to receive information about our middle school team (grades 6-8), please respond to the following email,  mtfiremanager@gmail.com.

 

You will be added to our list and will receive all the early information.  If you know of any other home school families who would be interested, please forward this email.

 

Thanks!

Nashville Ballet Free Performance 10/3

Degas and the Little Dancer
Ocotober 3, 2012
10 a.m.
Mt. Juliet Community Center
FREE

Join Nashville Ballet for a free performance of Degas and the Little Dancer. When young Marie gave up her dream of becoming a famous ballet dancer because of her family's financial hardships, she earned money by posing for the artist Edgar Degas when he created his famous bronze sculpture of a young baller dancer, "La Petite Danseuse." This ballet follows the heart-warming tale of the friendship that grows between the temperamental old artist and dedicated young subject, as told in the book Degas and the Little Dancer by children's author Laurence Anholt.

Like to Run? Upcoming area races...

09/28/2012 - Melon Trot 5k and Fun Run - Nashville, TN

09/29/2012 - 7th Annual Rally for Recovery... - Murfreesboro, TN

09/29/2012 - Christian Co. Relay For Life... - Hopkinsville, KY

09/29/2012 - Whiskers & Paws 5K Run/Walk... - Springfield, TN

09/30/2012 - MTSU Campus Recreation 2012... - Murfreesboro, TN

10/06/2012 - Run for Rotary 5K/10K (5th... - Brentwood, TN

10/13/2012 - Carolinas Spartan Beast... - Winnsboro, SC

10/27/2012 - 2nd Annual Boo Bash Dash - Springfield, TN

TN Living History Events (now thru 12/2012)

Sept 22-23. Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration at Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton. Click here for more details.

Sept. 30. Lantern Tour at Old Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. Click here for more.

The Tennessee History Festival

Oct 6. Living History Tour at Nashville City Cemetery. Click here for more.

Oct 6. Candlelight tour of Gallatin City Cemetery. Click here for more.

Oct 12-14, Museum of Appalachia Fall Homecoming in Norris. This is a huge event that includes crafts, music and much more.  Click here.

Oct 19-20. Tennessee History Festival in Nashville, at the Bicentennial Mall State Park. A large, FREE event featuring reenactors of all time periods. In years past, there have been in excess of 50 school buses of students, so school groups are asked to RSVP at 615-741-5800. Homeschoolers are highly encouraged to come Friday afternoon, when most of the public school students have come and gone.

Dec. 15-16. Early Occupied Nashville event in Nashville, at the Belle Meade Plantation. Encamped Union reenactors along with artillery demonstrations, cavalry demonstrations, crafts, carriage rides, roasting of marshmallows, etc. There is an admission fee. For more info, click here.

Stone's River

Dec. 29-30, Civil War event in Murfreesboro, 150th anniversary of the Battle of Stone's River. Union and Confederate reenactors, programs of various kinds at the national military park.  Click here for more.

Celebrate! Nashville Festival Oct 6, 2012

2012 Festival Date Announced: Saturday, October 6th in Centennial Park!

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Performances
Over 55 music and dance performances on 5 different stages!!

• What’s on stage – schedule of events
• Check out who’s performing

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World Market
The World Market is filled with booths selling unique hand-crafted and imported items from around the world. Shop, and view demonstrations while enjoying music from the World Market Stage. You’ll also find information about various nonprofits and services that support and benefit our community and the world.

• Check out the list of Vendors
• Reserve a booth

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Global Village

As you walk through the Global Village, you’ll hear traditional music as the native language of each area is spoken. You’ll see colorful clothing and decorations that are customary for each country. The Global Village offers an authentic look at the customs and traditions of the participating cultures that are present within the City of Nashville and the surrounding counties.

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Food

Where else can you sample everything from empanadas, falafels, and hot chicken to injer (Ethiopian bread), gyros, and Mexican popsicles all in one place? Some vendors will even be open for breakfast this year!

• Check out the list of vendors

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Children’s Area

The Children’s Area is a highly interactive area that has something for every age! This year the Frist Center for the Visual Arts will be presenting activities based on the Connecting Cultures exhibit currently on display at the Frist. Other activities include a Maypole, dress up with costumes from the Metro Parks Theater Department, the Nashville Zoo with have real animals, painting, games and demonstrations of cricket, bocce, and soccer, storytelling, puppet shows, hands-on art. while the Children’s Area Stage will have interactive music and dance programs.

• What’s on stage
• Activities for kids

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Teens United!

An area just for teens organized by tens! The Teen’s Area is hosted by the Oasis Center, and teens from our community display information reflective of their heritage and their current lifestyle. Music and dance performances are ongoing throughout the day on the Teens United Stage.

• What’s on stage
• Activities for teens

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TPAC--Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom

 

TPAC Presents
Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom starring Peter Gros
December 7
A bevy of live animals will be star of the stage during Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom featuring Peter Gros. Gros shares his exciting international experiences, highlighting his adventures with a mix of video clips and bloopers.

More Details 

TEEN PACT Sept issue...

	A Friendly September Reminder REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2013 STATE CLASS SEASON! TeenPact is coming to a state near you this spring!    Four Day Class for Students Age 13-19 One Day Class for Students Age 8-12 Political Communication Workshop for Students Age 13-19 Here’s what TeenPact students are saying… “One of the ways that TeenPact changed my life is it showed me that it doesn’t matter if you’re talented in public speaking or you like dressing up in a suit and tie or a skirt and heels, God wants to use you to change the world. We don’t have to be qualified because as long as we’re letting Christ work through our lives, we’re what He wants to use.” –Laura Shervheim, IA “TeenPact has changed my life so much more than any other program like it has. It’s taught me how to be a Christian leader for my family, my peers, and my community.” – Jordan DuBaere, MI “TeenPact has made me aware of the importance of being involved in politics, and has really convicted me to constantly evaluate my walk with God. TeenPact asks me to face difficult questions like, 'Have I really dedicated my life to Christ?' 'Am I striving to further the kingdom of God?'—-it implores me to flee from the complacency that plagues my generation.” --Sarah Hufstedler, TX “TeenPact has opened my eyes to the fact that there are young people who think and believe as I do out there in the world.” –Shelby Zmudzinski, WY “TeenPact has raised me to a totally new standard of living. It showed me how I can impact a normally all too corrupt thing, government. But the learning of Government only scratches the surface of what TeenPact has done for me, it gave me better critical thinking skills, public speaking capabilities, and showed me how to step out of my comfort zone and change the world we live in. But most importantly, it gave me a closer relationship with Christ.” –Stevie Leifheit, ME “TeenPact has inspired me to strive for a level of personal excellence in all areas of my life. Because of TeenPact, I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and become a better leader, citizen, and servant of Jesus Christ.” –Courtney Bledsoe, AZ “TeenPact has truly blessed my life in many ways. Through TeenPact I have learned, grown, made wonderful friends and forged great relationships, had fun, worshiped God, served, lead, stretched my comfort zone, and most importantly God has used TeenPact to truly bless my relationship with Him and given me a closer walk with Him.” – Abigail Shackleford, AR Check the dates and sign up by September 30 to take advantage of the Double Early Bird discount.     Greetings from the Commonwealth of Virginia! Along with the arrival of fall, we are excited that registration for the 2013 TeenPact season opens on September 1! The specific dates are already listed on the individual state pages to assist you in your planning for the upcoming school year. Most importantly, we are very excited to announce the addition of Nebraska in 2013! We have been busy at the National Office preparing for the 2013 season, as well as organizing our 2012 alumni events – including several events in September and October. Thank you for your participation as we have had record registrations at these events this year. Over the last several months there has been much news from all branches of our government – Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. TeenPact Leadership Schools exists to help your sons and daughters learn the foundations of government from a Biblical perspective, and then to think critically about the laws and decisions that are being made by individuals in key government positions. We encourage students to be involved and informed citizens through our hands on approach. Above all, we teach that lasting answers to the problems we face in America are found in God, not politics. As you look to the election in November and to the coming year, consider registering for the 2013 class in your state today. In Christ, Peter Martin CEO – TeenPact Leadership Schools TeenPact is a dynamic, hands-on leadership school for Christian students. Our mission is to train youth to understand the political process, value their liberty, defend their Christian faith and engage the culture at a time in their lives when, typically, they do not care about such things. TeenPact Alumni Events take students deeper in their relationship with Christ beyond their initial state class experience. Focusing always on training student to be influential and servant-hearted leaders, our events bring together students who are serious about their faith and who care deeply about the future of our country. Find out more about TeenPact, make a donation or register for classes by visiting www.teenpact.com or by calling 1.888.343.1776.

MTSU-Expanding Your Horizons (for girls grades 5-12)

MTSU EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS

When - Saturday, September 22, 2012, 8am – 5pm

Where - CAMPUS WIDE

Note:

All Young Women in Middle School (Grades 5-8) and in High School (Grades 9-12)
What: A Hands-On Science and Math Conference
Why: To investigate science & math careers
To talk with women in science & math careers
To attend science & math workshops for girls
To participate in hands-on activities
To meet girls interested in science & math

Complete the on-line Registration and Release forms
Forms on MTSU EYH Homepage
www.mtsu.edu/wistem
eyh@mtsu.edu
Registration Fee: $15.00
Registration Scholarships available
Parents and teachers sessions available

Generation Joshua

Generation Joshua, www.generationjoshua.org, exists to assist parents to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders and citizens, equipped to positively influence the political processes of today and tomorrow. Generation Joshua is a Christian, conservative organization created for Christian teens by Home School Legal Defense Association and their Board of Directors and leadership.

We are excited to announce the first Generation Joshua Club meeting for this school year on Friday, September 21st from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the new location of the Williamson College (directions below) in Cool Springs.

You are invited to join us as we begin our Club meetings on the 21st. 

We will hear from our guest speaker: Christian, conservative political activist, former candidate for the US Congress, Middle Tennessee native, & successful small business owner, Monty Lankford about his recent trip to the GenJ headquarters, about his thoughts on this election and more.  

We meet at the beautiful building shared by Williamson College, www.williamsoncc.edu, and the Aspen Grove Christian Church, www.aspengrovecc.com, 274 Mallory Station Road, Franklin,  37064. 
This facility is the former and original location of Rocketown and we will be meeting in the room with the awesome "Guitar Tornado Sculpture"! 

The GenJ Club will have its own entrance into the building, so drive around to the right as you face the building.

PARK there on the right side of the facility close to the 1st black awning.

ENTER the building through the double glass doors at the 1st black awning.  Note that the entrance says THE GROVE.


Here's a link to directions: DIRECTIONS to Aspen Grove Church

Dyer Observatory--FREE 2nd Friday Telescope Night

Second Friday Telescope Night - FREE

14 Fri Sep  8 pm - 10 pm

12 Fri Oct   8 pm - 10 pm

9 Fri Nov  8 pm - 10 pm

Families can view the night sky through the observatory's telescopes. If cloudy, enjoy an observatory tour and talking to astronomers.

Advanced Registration Required.

Categories: Nature
Ages: All ages

Dyer Observatory
1000 Oman Dr
Brentwood, TN [Directions]
373-4897 or dyer.vanderbilt.edu

African Street Festival Sept 14-16

Friday-Sunday Sept 14-16, 2012

6:00 pm

Happening thru:
Sep 16

FREE African Street Festival

Hadley Park, Nashville
Enjoy a weekend of African-American culture through live music, food and stage shows presenting poetry, rap, reggae, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, drama and more.
Categories: Festivals and Fairs Ages: All ages

Free Shakespeare... "Much Ado About Nothing"

Friday-Sunday Sept 14-16, 2012

7:30 pm

Happening thru:
Sep 16

FREE Much Ado About Nothing

Centennial Park Band Shelter, Nashville
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival puts a post-World War II spin on this Shakespeare classic.
Categories: Theater Ages: All ages

Belle Meade Plantation ~ History Club

Join the Home School History Club and see for yourself why History ROCKS at Belle Meade Plantation. Each month the Club will explore and experience different aspects of American history through interactive games and activities, projects, lessons and so much more!


Membership Dues
Join the Club for $60 per year!
That’s only $5 per month, and can be paid monthly!
Club Meeting Times:
*The Club meets the first Tuesday of each month (January-December).
*Club members are dropped off at 10:00am and picked up at 1:00pm.
*Snack is provided.
*Sack Lunches should be brought from home.
Club Divisions
The Club is divided by Grade Level.
(K & 1st) (2nd & 3rd) (4th-5th & 6th) (7th -12th)
Membership Benefits Include:
*Exclusive Club Members only T-shirt.
*Subscription to the Monthly Club Newsletter.
*Invitation to the Annual Club Picnic (families invited).
For more information Contact us at historyclub@bellemeadeplantation.com

Belle Meade Plantation ~ Home School Programs

Belle Meade Plantation’s school programs are open to any student group, including home schools. Any home schooling family, cooperative or association is welcome to book a private tour. Please be aware that we require a 10-paid student minimum for all private tour programs. Individual families or small groups are encouraged to sign up for our Home School Days. Home School Days are a great way to meet other home schooling families from Middle Tennessee and on these special dates there is no minimum number required to book your tour!

Book Your Trip Today! 

Participation in each Home school Day is $5 per student.  Each family receives one free Parent-Educator admission. Additional Adults are  $11 per person. Younger (non-participating) siblings are welcome to observe at no cost.  Picnic Areas are Available. For more information or to book today call 615-356-0501 ext.31 or email education@bellemeadeplantation.com

*NEW! Dig It! Archaeology Program
October 4, 2012
Participate in an actual on-site archaeology dig near our historic Harding Cabin.  Learn American Archaeological Techniques while working in the pit and artifact processing lab.  Discover more about the “dirty” side of history with fun excavation activities! Dress to get dirty! Closed-toe shoes are REQUIRED for participation.
Victorian Christmas: A Century of Celebration
December 10, 2012
You are cordially invited to join the festive holiday activities and experience Christmas decade by decade. Lear about Victorian holiday traditions and discover 19th century holiday technology, from toys and games to the development of new electric Christmas tree lights, as you tour the lavishly decorated mansion.  Decorate and ornament for the tree to take home and remember your special day at Belle Meade Plantation.
*NEW! Black History Celebration
February 12, 2013
Celebrate Black History Month with Belle Meade Plantation! Explore the variations of African American music and create your own musical instrument to take home! Discover facts about famous African American inventors and their contributions to science with hands-on activities. Demonstrate logic and map reading skills as you explore the property during our NEW “Harriet Tubman to Rosa parks” African American History Scavenger Hunt!
Spring Planting Day
April 23, 2013
Discover what it took to get ready for the busy growing season.  Spring was one of the busies times of year on a 19th century farm and students will discover why as they see a sheep shearing demonstration and participate in a “sheep to shawl” program, learning how to spin wool into yarn.  Play 19th century lawn games and plant a seed to take home!

Sept Book Club @ Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation Book Club Party
September 29th at 3.00 pm
You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Pioneer by Jacqueline Morley
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

For more information call 615-356-0501, ext. 48 or 31

Youth Book Club

*FREE to join! just read the book and come to the Book Club Party!
*2 Reading Levels to choose from
Young Readers 2nd-5th grade/ Intermediate Readers 5th grade and up)
*New Selections each month, most selections are accelerated readers!
*Book Club Party at the end of each month to discuss the book and participate in a game, craft or activity.

September 29th
YR-You Wouldn’t Want to Be an American Pioneer by Jacqueline Morley
IR-Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
October 27th
YR-The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 1 by Jacqueline West
IR-A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trails By Ann Rinaldi
November 17th
YR-The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George
IR-Code Talker by Joseph Brucha
December 15th
YR-A Ghost Tale for Christmas (Magic Tree House #44) by Mary Pope Osborne
IR-Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

MATHCOUNTS & American Mathematics Contest

For the past ten years, Nashville-area home schoolers have formed one or more teams to participate in the MATHCOUNTS program (www.mathcounts.org) for students in grades 6 - 8.  Team members compete in a local competition in February with the opportunity to qualify for the state and national competitions.  Participants normally meet one afternoon per week for 1 - 1.5 hours from September until the competition. Please see the information sheet attached (please contact Mr. Booher for this attachment gbooher@csc.com ) below for more details on the meetings.

The American Mathematics Contest (AMC) (http://amc.maa.org) is dedicated to the goal of strengthening the mathematical capabilities of our nation's youth.  Over 300,000 students in grades 6 - 12 across the country take these exams each year.  Nashville-area home schoolers have been taking these exams since 2006.  Participants normally meet one afternoon per month for 1.5 hours from September until the competition.

There will be an AMC preparation session for interested students on Tuesday, September 18, at 5:00 P.M. at the Commerce Center East (100 Centerview Drive, Nashville, TN 37214) office building in Donelson.  We will review selected problems from the sets attached below (NOTE:  to get the attachments with these sets, email Mr. Booher...  gbooher@csc.com).  Please let him know if you have any questions.

Solar & Night Sky Viewing @ Cumberland Mtn State Park 10/20/2012

1 - 3 p.m. CT. Solar viewing will begin at the upper softball field. 

1 hour before sunset a 40 minute pre-dusk basic astronomy program will begin with planet and deep sky night observing following! 

Solar viewing and night sky viewing led by Lloyd Watkins

 For more information call 931-484-6138.

Standing Courageously (A special event for boys 8-12 & their mentors)

Standing Courageously

in a World of Compromise

A Special Event for Boys ages 8-12 and Dads, Granddads or Mentors

What MEN will Discover:

• Ways to prepare your son to stand

courageously in his day of battle

• How to become a WARRIOR for the next

generation

• Truth to counter the lies your son faces

• How to build a bridge to your son’s future no

matter your past

• Creative ways to connect to the heart of

your child

• How to model “failing forward” for your son

What BOYS will Discover:

• Their true identity in Christ

• How to guard the doors to their heart — what

you think, listen to, see, touch and where you

go — ”for out of your heart flow the issues of

life”

• How to counter the distorted lies of the culture

with the truth of God’s Word

• How to become God’s WARRIOR and stand in

their day of battle (peer pressure)

Saturday, Sept. 15 • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. • $12 per person

(Check in begins at 5 p.m.)

Goodlettsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church

226 South Main Street • Goodlettsville, TN 37072 • (615) 859-5888

Register Online

www.pureinheartconference.com/boysconference

            Pure in Heart • 111 Gloryland Lane • Antioch, TN 37013

Customized Bicycle Tours

As the beginning of school year approaches and the weather cools down a bit
(hopefully!), we here at Green Fleet Bicycle Tours are more anxious than
ever to get out and ride, and we want to ride with you!

We are located in Edgehill Village and daily offer guided bicycle tours to
some of Nashville's most historic places. We would love to partner with
homeschool families in the area and provide a unique supplemental activity
for you and your friends. What better way to capstone a year of Tennessee
Studies than a bicycle tour around the capitol city? We can even customize
your tour to include landmarks you've learned about!

If you'd like more information on our tours, or bicycle rentals, feel free
to visit our website or give me a call!

I look forward to seeing you at the hub,

Stephanie Cashin
Green Fleet Bicycle Tours
www.greenfleethub.com

TN Military Collectors' Association Show

Fall 2012 Tennessee Military Collectors’ Association Show November 23-24, 2012

Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
700 Cool Springs Blvd.
Franklin, TN  37067
Click here for directions

Friday - Dealer Setup 9:00am - 1:00pm, Public Admitted 1:00 - 7:00 pm Saturday - 8:00am - 4:00pm

Admission - $5.00 Children under 12 Free

Many Nations - Many Periods US, Japan, Russia, German, Great Britain, and others!
Numerous Displays of Militaria
WWII Re-enactors!

Buy - Sell - Trade

Carolina Homeschooler Trip: OUT WEST

We're saddlin' up and headin' west!

Join us in August 2013 and see the Grand Tetons, take a float trip, explore Yellowstone National Park, have close encounters with wildlife, watch a rodeo, enjoy a cowboy cookout and buffalo safari, tour the Mammoth site, see Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, and more. Our focus will be on nature, old west history, Native American history, and having a rip-roarin' good time! Yeehaw! (Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'll behave now.)

The cost is $1,280 per person for a family of four, $1,340 per person for a family of three, and $1,469 per person for a family of two. It includes hotels, transportation during our trip, breakfast each day, three group dinners, and all activities on our itinerary.

The trip will be confirmed as soon as we reach the minimum required to keep our discounts. A non-refundable $250 deposit per person is due within 7 days of registration, and the registration deadline is September 30, 2012. For more information and to register, visit our travel area.

Nashville Public Library September Calendar

615 Church Street Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m. -1:00 p.m.   9/4 Radio Daze Big Band/Dance 9/11 Riders in the Sky America’s Favorite Cowboys 9/18 Sara Sant’ Ambrogio Classical Cellist 9/25 The SteelDrivers Bluegrass   View the complete schedule online at library.nashville.org/courtyardconcerts   Parking available in garage & free the first 90 mins with validation. At a branch near you.....   Knit-Crochet Cafe 9/4  12:00 p.m.  Bellevue Symphony Saturday 9/8  2:00 p.m. Hermitage Planning for the Second Half of Life 9/11  6:30 p.m.  Goodlettsville   Medicare Choices 9/27 6:00 p.m.  Southeast READing: "A Pawsitive Experience" read to a puppy (reservations required) 9/29 10:30 a.m.  Edmondson Pike Computer Classes & Job Search Labs at Main, Green Hills, Richland Park, Edmondson Pike   For a complete listing of branches/events, visit www.library.nashville.org

All events are free & open to the public              SEPTEMBER 2012   Salon@615: Author talk series / book signing 6:15 p.m. Main Library, Auditorium 615 Church St. Sept.18: Molly Ringwald, When It Happens To You Sept.20: Jennie Fields & Irene Goodman-Price, The Age of Desire & My Dear Governess-Remembering Edith Wharton   Get the latest news and more by "liking" us at facebook.com/Salonat615 Upcoming children's shows    All children's events below at Nashville Public Library, 615 Church St. Get program details online at library.nashville.org/WishingChair.   The World of Mother Goose (All ages) Features live performances, hand puppets, music and marionettes Sept. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15  10:30 & 11:30 a.m.   Ellingtown (All ages) Join Duke Ellington, the great master of Jazz on a musical journey with puppets of all sorts co-produced with the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Sept. 28, 29  10:30 & 11:30 a.m.   The Ordeal of Dr. Trifulgus by Jules Verne  (for ages 8 and up) A puppeteer tells the dark tale of a bitter, old doctor who finds out the hard way that being greedy can cause grave results. 30 minutes Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29  4:00 p.m. More upcoming events   Virtuoso Showcase Classical Guitar Series: presents world-class virtuoso Jason Vieaux Sept. 23, 2:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Main Library Thinking Out of the (Lunch) Box: "Coming Back to Life: One Man’s Story of Wrongful Conviction”  Sept. 5, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Main Library, suggested donation: $5.00 for lunch   2nd Saturday Book Store: Systemwide book sale every 2nd Saturday of each month, Sept. 8, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Donelson   1st Tuesdays at the Archives: "Surviving Behind the Lines- Civil War Medicine in Middle Tennessee" Speaker: Rob Dehart  Sept. 4, 2:30 p.m. Metro Archives, Green Hills Save the Date: October   Artober: A celebration of the arts throughout October at all branches, free and for all ages. Thanks to the Nashville Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Library for making Nashville Public Library events possible.